Apparatus for playing games

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for playing games is envisaged. It includes a structure that defines boundary of the apparatus. There are multiple elements placed on the apparatus that define player locations. The apparatus can of any size and shape and can be used by players for playing various games. The players can use movable devices separately or the devices can be associated with players for the purpose of playing different games. Multiple lanes are placed at pre-defined positions on the structure for forming junctions in order to control and guide movement of players or moveable devices or movable devices associated with players. These junctions and lanes together form a number of turns that change direction of movement of players during the game play. The apparatus includes transparent bodies, speed regulators, marking units for marking the players and counters for counts number of markings for the purpose of playing different games.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the field of entertainment systemswith traction structures.

BACKGROUND

Various types of entertainment systems and games are popular now-a-daysand played for entertainment in various different contexts. Strategygames like paintball, marking games, and different war gaming systemshave been existent since a significant period of time. The existingformats of such games have received little attention from televisionsports broadcaster due to the fact that these formats are not televisionfriendly. Such games may be fun and entertaining to play but they tendto be difficult and troublesome to watch on electronic devices such astelevision, computers, and laptops as well as in outdoor environment dueto the lack of a singular point of visual focus for the spectators. Moststrategy games or marking game systems involve barriers that obstructthe view of player as well as the spectator's. This reduces theentertainment factor of the games for the spectators. During such games,it becomes difficult for the spectators to spot movement, marking orshots made by the players. Additionally, during some strategy gamesthere maybe multiple players engaging simultaneously while hiding behindbarriers without much movement and the lack of well-designed, speedregulating and guided traction apparatus during such game plays makes ithard for the viewers to watch and follow the action on the field.Further, the decision making in such games is limited to when to hit,run and save oneself.

Therefore, there is a need for an entertainment system with tractionapparatus to limit the aforementioned drawbacks and provide an apparatusthat enhances strategic thinking and quick decision making skills.

Objects

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus forplaying games.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus thatis spectator friendly and provides a clear and unimpeded view of theactions in organized manner for the spectators.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide anapparatus that allows viewers to easily watch and follow the action onthe traction apparatus.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatusthat can be used in both indoor and outdoor environment.

An additional object of the present disclosure is to provide acost-effective apparatus for entertainment as well as for enhancingtactical thinking and quick decision making skills.

One more object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatusthat allows narrowing the focus to at least two players at a time thusmaking the play and non-field action easier to follow.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be moreapparent from the following description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope ofthe present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages an apparatus for playing games.

Typically in accordance with the present disclosure the apparatuscomprises a structure that defines a boundary of the apparatus. Aplurality of pre-determined elements is placed around the structure inorder to define locations for players or movable devices or movabledevices associated with players to enter the structure. A plurality oflanes are placed at pre-defined positions on the structure which form aplurality of junctions for controlling and guiding movement of playersor moveable devices or movable devices associated with players. Theselanes further form a plurality of turns for changing direction ofmovement of players or moveable devices or movable devices associatedwith players. The structure also includes a plurality of speedregulators attached on the structure for interaction and manipulationwith movement and speed of the players or the moveable devices or themovable devices associated with the players. At least one transparentbody is erected on the apparatus to provide obstructions and physicalinteractions to the players or the moveable devices or the movabledevices associated with the players. The apparatus also includes aplurality of marking units for marking the players or the moveabledevices or the movable devices associated with the players, and at leastone counter configured to count number of markings on each player ormoveable device or movable device associated with each player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

An apparatus for playing games will now be explained in relation to thenon-limiting accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 (a) illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a tractionapparatus;

FIG. 1(b) illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1(a);

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a traction apparatus which issuitable for indoor use;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a traction apparatus;and

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a tractionapparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The present disclosure will now be described with reference to theembodiments shown in the accompanying drawing. The embodiments do notlimit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relatespurely to the examples and preferred embodiments of the disclosedapparatus and its suggested applications.

The apparatus herein and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments inthe following description. Descriptions of well-known parameters andprocessing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure theembodiment herein. The examples used herein are intended merely tofacilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiment herein maybe practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practicethe embodiment herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construedas limiting the scope of the embodiment herein.

The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure is a tractionapparatus that includes marking units and optional movable devices forplaying various games. The apparatus for playing games as envisaged inthe present disclosure comprises a traction unit/structure, which hasdedicated lanes forming turns and junctions at strategic positions suchthat players are forced to make tactical decisions in order to get closeto other players. This helps in narrowing the focus to two players at atime. The formed junctions are customizable and can be formed by placingthe lanes strategically to obtain three-way junctions, four-wayjunctions and the like. The three-way junctions provide two optionalroutes whereas the four-way junctions provide three optional routes whenapproached by the players from any one route. These junctions aredesigned to force the players into making decision based on the otherplayer's position and speed by taking one of the optional routes toeither escape marking by the opponent or plan marking the other player.

Speed regulators are provided on the traction apparatus to interact withthe movement and speed of players or moveable devices or movable devicesassociated with the players. One or more transparent bodies are alsoprovided to mock physical interactions or obstructions thus addinganother tactical dimension to the traction apparatus. The speedregulators and transparent bodies increase the difficulties for playersin making successful markings during the game. The players need to getclose to their opponents to increase the marking accuracy andconsequently the efficacy. To achieve this, the players have to maketactical decisions in order to get close to the other players. This alsoenables the players to effectively control the speed of their travel inseveral ways to achieve the desired tactics as well as decide correctroute options using junctions, speed regulators and turns.

The envisaged apparatus of the present disclosure is scaled in size tovarying degrees to accommodate movable devices. The traction apparatuscan be scaled in size of a board game suitable to be played in a room orit can be installed in a large outdoor field. Additionally, the tractionapparatus can be a mat, board or physically erected/formed apparatus onthe ground. The components/parts of the apparatus such as tractionunit/structure, lanes, junctions, turns, transparent bodies, movabledevices, speed regulators, marking units and the like are variable andcustomizable based on the size of the traction apparatus and the userrequirement. The movable devices can be optionally used to aid inmovement of the players or the players can control them from a distance.The players can ride the movable devices or use the movable devicesremotely. These movable devices can be in the form of Go-karts, allforms of skates such as inline skates or skateboards, cycles, or otherman-driven or remotely controlled devices/vehicles. The playersparticipating in the game can decide and finalize the movable device tobe used, before the game.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b)respectively illustrate a top plan view and an isometric view of anembodiment of an apparatus 100 for playing games. The apparatus 100 thatis used by players, or movable devices or movable devices associatedwith the players includes a traction unit/structure 102 that defines aboundary of the apparatus 100 for playing games. The shape of thistraction unit/structure 102 is customizable. The structure 102 can havea regular or an irregular shape. It can be circular, oval, elliptical,polygonal or any shape that is suitable to the users. In thisembodiment, the traction unit/structure 102 is rectangular in shape withrounded corners such as representing two semi-circles, one on each side.The surface of the traction unit/structure 102 is also customizablebased on the user preference. This traction unit/structure surface canbe made of synthetic materials, natural materials, concrete, asphalt,wood derivatives, bamboo or rubber, fiber-glass, bitumen, dirt, waterand similar other materials and/or their combinations. The apparatus 100includes a plurality of elements 104, 106 placed around the tractionunit/structure 102 to define locations for players or movable devices ormovable devices associated with the players to enter the tractionunit/structure 102. In a preferred embodiment, the structure 102 has twoplaces of entry and two places of exit for the players. This requirementis necessary in a team match although it is not necessary in asingles/individual match. The places for entry and exit should not beclose together for safety reasons. The number of elements introduced toallow player entry is variable based on user customization. A pluralityof lanes 108 are placed on the traction unit/structure 102 atpre-defined positions to provide a defined track/path/passage fortravel, to players or movable devices or movable devices associated withthe players. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of lanes 108 mustbe placed on the structure 102 such that they form more than fourintersections/junctions and/or turns by crossing each other.

The apparatus 100 includes separators 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d, 116 e,116 f, 116 g, 116 h, 116 i, 116 j, 116 k, 116 l, 116 m, 116 n that arestrategically placed on the traction unit/structure 102 such that thecombination of the separators 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d, 116 e, 116 f,116 g, 116 h, 116 i, 116 j, 116 k, 116 l, 116 m, 116 n and the lanes 108form plurality of junctions 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 110 e, 110 f,110 g, 110 h, 110 i, 110 j, 110 k, 110 l, 110 m, 110 n, 110 o, 110 p,110 q, 110 r for controlling and guiding movement of the players ormovable devices or movable devices associated with the players. Theseparators 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d, 116 e, 116 f, 116 g, 116 h, 116i, 116 j, 116 k, 116 l, 116 m, 116 n are of variable shapes includingcircular shape, oval shape, elliptical shape and polygonal shape andalso having variable sizes. They can have transparent surface with adepth visible from surface. Such a depth is suitable for outdoor use tomake players/users more aware and conscious of the surface in additionto maintaining focus on other players, while moving or choosingdirection of travel. The quadrant-shaped separators 116 e, 116 f, 116 g,116 h, 116 i, 116 j provide sharper turns and uniform junctions. In apreferred embodiment, a player has to choose a track/route carefully togain tactical advantage over the other player during play. If a playeror any part of his/her equipment goes out of the track/route or acertain designated boundary lines parallel to the routes then he/shemust face a penalty.

In this embodiment, the junctions 110 a, 110 b, 110 d, 110 g, 110 h, 110k, 110 l, 110 o, 110 q, 110 r are three-way junctions and the junctions110 c, 110 e, 110 f, 110 i, 110 j, 110 m, 110 n, 110 p are four-wayjunctions. The plurality of lanes 108 present on the tractionunit/structure 102 encompass the straight areas on the apparatus 100 andalso form plurality of turns for changing the direction of movement ofplayers or movable devices or movable devices associated with theplayers. The junctions 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, 110 e, 110 f, 110 g,110 h, 110 i, 110 j, 110 k, 110 l, 110 m, 110 n, 110 o, 110 p, 110 q,110 r are smaller area in size, and the lanes 108 have a larger area insize. The apparatus 100 offers minimum of forty possible turns that havevarying intensity and acuteness of the angle. The apparatus 100 alsoincludes a plurality of speed regulators 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d, 112e, 112 f, 112 g, 112 h that are attached on the traction unit/structure102 for interaction and manipulation of movement and speed of theplayers or movable devices or movable devices associated with theplayers. The speed regulators 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d are speedenhancers and 112 e, 112 f, 112 g, 112 h are speed reducers. These aremade of same material as that of the traction unit/structure 102. Thespeed reducers 112 e, 112 f, 112 g, 112 h in this embodiment areminiature speed bumps placed closely to each other and the speedregulators 112 a, 112 b, 112 c, 112 d are two inclined ramps facing eachother with a gap in the middle for players or movable devices or movabledevices associated with players to jump over. These ramps may span thefull width, preferably half the width of the traction unit/structure.The degree of inclination, height as well as the length of the ramps mayor may not be equal on both sides and may vary in alternate embodiments.Another embodiment may also include a flat top for players to roll on.The length of the gap in the middle of ramps or the flat top iscustomizable. These ramps require the players to increase their speed toclimb it or jump over it. Transparent bodies 114 a, 114 b are erected onthe traction unit/structure 102 to provide obstructions and physicalinteractions to the players or movable devices or movable devicesassociated with players. These transparent bodies 114 a, 114 b areprovided to mock physical interactions or obstructions, and can be madeof transparent synthetic material or nets (fabric or otherwise), plasticglass or may be made of combination of plastic glass and synthetic net,where the synthetic net is situated above the plastic glass body. Inother embodiments the transparent bodies can be situated as per userpreference. The apparatus 100 can have different field and track designsto suit a game. The game can be played with the use of tagging ormarking equipment which can be used to score points in the game. Theapparatus 100 includes marking units (not shown in figure) formarking/tagging the players or movable devices or movable devicesassociated with players and, also includes at least one counter (notshown in figure) that counts number of marking on each player or movabledevice or movable device associated with the player. The counter(s)includes at least one sensor to sense the markings. In an embodiment,the marking units include marking or tagging devices such as paintball,airsoft, laser, augmented reality and the like. The marking units arecarried by players in their hands or they can be place on the movabledevices. The game can also be played without the use of the markingunits as a scoring method. Instead, the scoring system can be based on aplayer successfully trapping and chasing his/her opponent within theconfines of the structure 102. The game can be played as a single'smatch which entails a player versus another player, or it can also beplayed as a team match, which entails teams versus teams.

In one embodiment a marking unit of rubber or plastic bullets isprovided, where when the bullet hits a vest worn by a player, a sound isproduced and captured by the sensor present in the counter for countingnumber of markings on each player or movable device. This is achievedautomatically by sensing sounds produced during successful hit by theplayer. In another embodiment the sensor is a microphone that is eithermounted on vest or carried by the player or placed on the movabledevice. The captured sound is then transmitted to a computer terminal(that acts as a counter) with a user identifier tag, where the totalnumber of sounds or hit sounds after a certain duration or start and endof game is automatically calculated for each player, and displayed on ascreen.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the elongated sideportions of the traction unit/structure can be of variable lengths suchthat one side portion provides relatively tight turns that other sideportion thus forcing the players to reduce their speed significantly inorder to make that turn without going off the traction unit/structure.The acuteness of these turns in the traction unit/structure differs, andthis presents the players with tactical options as it affects theirspeed in a significant manner.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface of thetraction unit/structure is such that it holds water so that the game isplayed with any compatible movable devices or movable devices controlleddirectly or indirectly by players. Such compatible movable devicesinclude boats, ships or watercrafts like jet skis which can becontrolled by the players either manually or remotely. Further, in oneembodiment, the traction unit/structure is laid on the surface of awater body. Where, the water body is a lake, surface of the lake is thesurface of the traction unit/structure.

In an additional embodiment of the present disclosure, the movabledevices are flying machines controlled manually or remotely by theplayers. These flying machines fly within the track/lanes and have thesame horizontal limitations as that of a land based movable vehicle orwatercraft/boat or the players. Therefore, the flying machines alsoadhere to the design of the traction unit/structure and the providedlanes within. But, the flying machines have more freedom to maneuververtically.

The apparatus 100 can be used by the players to play a plurality ofgames having a plurality of pre-determined rules. These pre-determinedrules include rules for minimum speed limit, marking and tagging,starting procedure, player's corner, U-turn and reverse, chasing,trapping, scoring, restarting after the chase, substitution during ateam match, penalties and the like.

The minimum speed limit rule forbids the players and their equipment togo below a certain speed during the game. The players must be aware ofthis rule before they enter the playing field because going below theminimum speed limit entails an immediate penalty. The minimum speedlimit can vary because of the different abilities and characteristics ofthe equipment or vehicles used to play the game. The players may beallowed to mark or tag their opponents with their marking/taggingequipment from anywhere and almost anytime they want. The only exceptionto this rule can be when a player has completed a chase but has notrestarted by going through his/her respective corner. In case of therule related to the starting procedure, the players can start fromoutside the structure 102 or playing field, with both (outside) startingpositions equal in length from the track entry. The players must not bebelow the minimum speed limit when they enter the structure 102. Theplayers can be considered to be in the track if the tip of theirvehicle, any equipment or any part of their body crosses the line ofentry. In case of a team match there must be a separate exit for theplayer being replaced. Each player must have a designated player'scorner. The designated corners should preferably be in the oppositesides or corners of the playing field as far away from each other aspossible. A player's corner should be an entire sector, preferably asmaller sector but it is not mandatory. These corners must be used asrestarting point after a chase has finished and the player must gothrough these corners to restart.

In a preferred embodiment, a U-turn/reverse is not allowed anywherewithin the structure 102. This means that the player must not be allowedto turn and go back the same way from where the player had approached.Players must utilize different route options provided by the junctionsto maneuver and play the game. If a player turns back in the middle ofany sector and goes in the opposite direction from where he/she hadapproached, it can be considered as a violation and respective penaltiescan be applicable.

In an embodiment, trapping is a tactical maneuver by a player thatleaves the opponent in a position where his/her only option is to takethe route that inevitably leads to a chase within a relatively shorttime. This means that the player doing the trapping will chase a trappedplayer so that he/she can mark/tag the opponent and score points in theprocess. The trapping rule forbids a player from entering thelane/straight sector 108 whilst their opponent is in it. If a playerenters whilst his/her opponent is in the lane 108, the player can facesector penalty. This means that players must regulate their speedaccordingly without going below the speed limit and use the nature ofthe tracks (junctions and lanes) within the playing field to gain atactical advantage. But if both players enter any junction together thenthe first player to enter the junction must choose a route and go first.This means that the second player has a tactical advantage as he/she haseffectively trapped the other player, forcing a chase. The act oftrapping one's opponent in itself, without tagging or marking the otheropponent, can also mean scoring predetermined points based on thevariation of the game.

In case of the chasing rule, the chase happens after a player hastrapped the other player and is trying to get close in order to have abetter chance of successfully marking or tagging the player. Theduration of the chase may vary but it should be no more than 20 seconds.The length of the chase may also be measured in meters or any other kindof measurement. The players score points by marking or tagging aspecific area, i.e. target, on their opponents' equipment or their body.One hit on the target can give one point to the player doing themarking/tagging. The marking/tagging equipment may be allowed to move inall directions in order to aim. The range of movement may vary. Thetarget must be stationary and fixed stably on the player's body, vehicleor equipment. The size, shape and position of the target can vary. Theplayer/team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Theplayers can also score points without marking or tagging if thevariation of the game has no marking or tagging allowed. Trapping andchasing the opponents may score points. But trapping alone must not meanscoring points; a player must successfully chase the other player toscore. The duration of the chase and what qualifies as a successfulchase also varies. The player/team with the most chases or points winsat the end of the game.

Once the chase has ended both the players must go through their cornersections respectively in order to restart the game. The players must gointo the corner section and any part of their equipment or body mustexit the corner section in order for the player to be allowed to usetheir marking/tagging equipment. During the aforementioned procedures aswell as after the restart, the clock must not be stopped and must runnormally as they are considered to be part of how the game is played,i.e. the gameplay. In an embodiment, the players are not allowed to markor tag their opponents before going through their respective corners andthey must always obey the minimum speed limit rules even beforerestarting the game. Disobeying these rules entails penalty. The playerscan take as long time as they want to reach and go through theircorners. A player can be substituted in the middle of a game round. Inone embodiment, a single player should not play continuously for morethan five minutes and should at least, play for two minutes at a time.When a player is substituted the outgoing player must only leave throughthe exit. When the outgoing player has reached a designated line nearthe exit, only then can the incoming player (substitute) enter theplaying field. In case of rules related to penalties, there may beseveral kinds of penalties in the game depending upon the nature of thefoul and infraction. Points can be deducted as a penalty, or anadvantage can be removed from a player advantage by making him/her startfrom a specific location. A player can also be awarded a tacticaladvantage because of the other player. Point deduction may also becombined with other penalties if the infraction is severe. Suspensionand disqualification may also be employed to certain infractions.

These rules can be varied based on the shape of the apparatus 100 and/orplayer preferences. One or more of the rules can be modified and agreedupon by a majority vote (or unanimous vote) of all players prior to thecommencement of the game. It should be understood that these rulesapplicable to the apparatus 100 are non-limiting and are identical tothe rules which apply to the apparatus for playing games as envisaged bythe present disclosure including apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3and FIG. 4.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, FIG. 2 illustrates anotherembodiment of a traction apparatus 200 which is suitable for indoor use.This apparatus 200 is circular in shape and include structure 202 thatdefines the circular boundary of the apparatus 200. The structure 202includes plurality of lanes and separators that form multiple junctions.The size of this apparatus 200 is made so as to suit an indoorenvironment.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, FIG. 3 illustrates an alternativeembodiment of a traction apparatus 300 which can be made to suit indooras well as outdoor environment. The traction apparatus 300 in thisembodiment is of a rectangular shape that includes a structure 302 fordefining a rectangular boundary of the apparatus 300. It includesmultiple lanes and separates of different shapes that form multiplejunctions. The size of this apparatus 300 is customizable as per userrequirement.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, FIG. 4 illustrates anotheralternative embodiment of a traction apparatus 400 which can be made tosuit indoor as well as outdoor environment.

This apparatus 400 is rectangular in shape and includes a plurality ofjunctions 402 and a plurality of lanes 404. The apparatus 400 alsoincludes two places of entry 406 a and 406 b, and two places of exit 408a and 408 b for the players. This requirement is necessary in a teammatch although it is not necessary in a singles/individual match. Eachplayer has a designated player's corner 410 a and 410 b. The designatedplayer's corners 410 a and 410 b are in the opposite sides or corners ofthe playing field as far away from each other as possible. AU-turn/reverse as illustrated by 412 is not allowed anywhere within thestructure of the apparatus 400. This means that a player must not take aU-turn/reverse and go back the same way from where the player hadapproached. Additionally, all players must utilize different routeoptions provided by the junctions to maneuver and play the game, such asa right turn as illustrated by 414. These rules can be varied based onthe shape of the apparatus 400 and/or player preferences.

Technical Advancements

An apparatus for playing games in accordance with the present disclosuredescribed herein above has several technical advancements including butnot limited to the realization of:

-   -   an apparatus that is spectator friendly and provides a clear and        unimpeded view of the actions in organized manner for the        spectators;    -   an apparatus that allows viewers to easily watch and follow the        action on the traction apparatus;    -   an apparatus that can be used in both indoor and outdoor        environment;    -   a cost-effective apparatus for entertainment as well as for        enhancing tactical thinking and quick decision making skills;        and    -   an apparatus that allows narrowing the focus to at least two        players at a time thus making the play and non-field action        easier to follow.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, byapplying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications such specific embodiments without departing from thegeneric concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modificationsshould and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and rangeof equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood thatthe phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodimentsherein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can bepracticed with modification within the spirit and scope of theembodiments as described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for playing games, comprising:a structure defining a boundary of said apparatus; a plurality ofpre-determined elements placed around said structure to define locationsfor players or moveable devices or movable devices associated withplayers to enter the structure; a plurality of lanes placed atpre-defined positions on the structure to provide a defined track fortravel, to players or moveable devices or movable devices associatedwith players, said plurality of lanes forming a plurality of junctionsfor controlling and guiding movement of players or moveable devices ormovable devices associated with players, and further forming a pluralityof turns for changing direction of movement of players or moveabledevices or movable devices associated with players; a plurality of speedregulators attached on the structure for interaction and manipulationwith movement and speed of the players or the moveable devices or themovable devices associated with the players, wherein said plurality ofspeed regulators includes at least one speed enhancer formed by twoinclined ramps facing each other with a gap in the middle and, at leastone speed reducer formed by at least one speed bump; at least onetransparent body erected on the structure to provide obstructions andphysical interactions to the players or the moveable devices or themovable devices associated with the players; a plurality of markingunits for marking the players or the moveable devices or the movabledevices associated with the players, wherein a sound is produced whenthe plurality of marking units hits the players or the moveable devicesor the movable devices associated with the players; and at least onecounter configured to count number of markings on each player ormoveable device or movable device associated with each player, whereinsaid at least one counter includes at least one sensor to sense markingsmade by said plurality of marking units, wherein said sensor sensesmarkings by capturing said sound.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim1, wherein shape of said structure is selected from a group consistingof circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal and any combinations thereof.3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus includesa plurality of separators placed strategically in combination with saidplurality of lanes to form said plurality of junctions and saidplurality of turns, shape of said plurality of separators selected froma group consisting of circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal and anycombination thereof.